American Idol executive producer Lythgoe said of Lewis: "What you have done for this organization and its families is something close to a miracle. I know that we all want to carry on your legacy… I trust that we will continue to be successful."

Watch the MDA Telethon hosts' tribute to Jerry Lewis below:

Throughout the six-hour telecast, Celine Dion, the American Idol judges and the co-hosts of The View all urged viewers to help the fight against muscular dystrophy.